The Swiss vote on climate protection goals is imminent, heated debates about global warming, air travel vacations, electric mobility, and personal engagement of each individual have long been in the air. We are not only closely familiar with the topic of sustainability in the context of our mandates, but also try to align our company sustainably in all areas. At the OMR Festival in Hamburg, we therefore actively engaged with the big topic of electronic waste in a masterclass, in connection with Green IT, i.e., used IT hardware for companies – valuable insights that we would like to share with you and thus inspire your own reflections. www.circulee.com
Under the credo “Not new, but better”, the startup circulee began operations less than 12 months ago and shows us how the circular economy model works in the IT sector. And not just us: In less than a year, circulee has managed to go from 0 to over 400 corporate customers who are committed to Green IT in their companies.
Because with every PC, laptop, monitor, and smartphone, the environmental impact through CO2 emissions and electronic waste increases. Circulee offers used IT hardware with a suitable cockpit for sale to companies, thus providing them with the opportunity to sustainably reduce their corporate CO2 footprint. A single new monitor alone produces about 420 kg of CO2 just in manufacturing. This corresponds to the emissions of three domestic flights.
The circulee range initially includes laptops, smartphones, monitors, and tablets – all devices were previously used in corporations and are offered in perfect condition. The hardware partner CHG-MERIDIAN checks and cleans each individual device and subjects it to TÜV-certified data erasure. Thus, all products are 100% functional, but more sustainable – and cost-saving – than new devices. This benefits not only companies and employees but also the planet. Each device saves valuable resources. For instance, a single circulee laptop produces around 400 kg less CO2 than a new one.
Founded by Thomas Gros (CEO), David Block (CFO), and Fozy Khoury (CTO) together with the technology company CHG-MERIDIAN, circulee also positions itself as a consultant in the field of Green IT alongside its customers. Through a specially developed, cloud-based cockpit, customers can assign their circulee devices, request support, manage invoices, and track emission savings. This clearly sets the startup apart from existing providers who do not specialize in the needs of companies.
Thomas Gros is certain. “We believe that companies and organizations have a responsibility to be more sustainable. And that Green IT can make a simple but effective contribution to this. circulee offers the highest quality pre-owned devices on the market – we say this with full confidence. Because our hardware comes from a professional environment and was already well-maintained in its first life.” Circulee’s clear vision is to integrate used IT hardware as a standard in all companies. In the long term, the range is to be expanded and additional services such as subscription models and device insurance are to be added. We at Compresso think thumbs up! and will of course stay tuned.
